Lucas inks deal with Rams
Former DB was released by Cardinals earlier this year
ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- Former ACU and Arizona Cardinals' defensive back Justin Lucas has signed a one-year free-agent deal with the St. Louis Rams.
Lucas, 27, started eight games in five seasons in Arizona, where Larry Marmie was the secondary coach and later defensive coordinator. Coach Mike Martz hired Marmie in January to replace Lovie Smith as the Rams' defensive coordinator. Smith is the Chicago Bears' new head coach.
The 5-10, 190-pound Lucas -- who played college football at ACU in 1997 and 1998 -- had 23 tackles in 11 games last season, when ankle injuries limited his playing time. In November 2002, he scored a touchdown against the Rams. Cornerback David Barrett intercepted a Marc Bulger pass and quickly lateraled to Lucas, who sprinted 35 yards to the end zone.
ACU and the Rams have several connections besides Lucas. The team's running backs coach is former Wildcat all-America Wilbert Montgomery, who is the Philadelphia Eagles' all-time leading rusher. Also, former ACU offensive lineman Britt Lively recently forfeited a free-agent deal with the Rams after severe body cramps forced him into early retirement.
